Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio with Mercury and Fortuna

A fine Roman, carnelian intaglio carved with the image of Mercury and Fortuna facing each other. To the left, Fortuna wears a draped chiton and a mural crown. Her left arm is resting on a rudder while her right hand holds a cornucopia, common characteristics of the goddess. She is portrayed standing with her head lowered in front of Mercury, who is holding a laurel wreath in his right hand and appears to be crowning Fortuna. The god is recognisable by his typical attributes: the petasos (πέτασος), a winged hat which he wears on his head, a cloak draped over the left arm, and a caduceus over his shoulder behind him, although part of the motif is no longer visible due to the chip on the edge.

The piece comes with a professionally baked, modern impression.